Are you craving a savory and delicious beef gravy, but don’t have any meat drippings on hand? Fear not!
With just a few basic ingredients, including beef bouillon cubes, you can whip up a tasty gravy that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re looking to add some flavor to your mashed potatoes or want to top off a juicy steak, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make beef gravy using bouillon cubes, so you can enjoy the rich and savory taste of homemade gravy anytime, without having to roast a whole beef.
So let’s get started!
How To Make Beef Gravy With Beef Bouillon Cubes?
To make beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 3-4 beef bouillon cubes
– 1 cup of hot water
– 2 tablespoons of butter or oil
– 2 tablespoons of flour
Start by dissolving the beef bouillon cubes in a cup of hot water. If you’re using a powdered or wet bouillon product, start with a couple of tablespoons and add more to taste.
Next, heat up a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate. Cook the flour and fat mixture for a few minutes until it’s golden-brown, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the beef bouillon broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep adding liquid until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start making beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Luckily, you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
First, you’ll need 3-4 beef bouillon cubes. If you don’t have beef bouillon cubes on hand, you can use a powdered or wet bouillon product instead. Just start with a couple of tablespoons and add more to taste.
Next, you’ll need 1 cup of hot water to dissolve the beef bouillon cubes. Make sure the water is hot enough to dissolve the cubes quickly and completely.
You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of butter or oil to make the roux for the gravy. Either one will work, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Finally, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy. All-purpose flour works well for this recipe, but if you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Once you have all your ingredients gathered and measured out, you’re ready to start making delicious beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes.
Preparing Your Bouillon Cubes
Before you can use your beef bouillon cubes to make gravy, you’ll need to prepare them properly. Start by unwrapping the cubes and placing them in a measuring cup or small bowl.
Next, boil a cup of water in a kettle or on the stove. Once the water is boiling, pour it over the bouillon cubes and stir until they are completely dissolved.
If you’re using a powdered or wet bouillon product, follow the instructions on the package to prepare it before adding it to your roux.
It’s important to note that bouillon cubes can be quite salty, so be sure to taste your gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always add more water or broth if your gravy is too thick or salty.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare your beef bouillon cubes and make delicious gravy for any meal.
Making A Roux
Making a roux is a crucial step in creating a thick, flavorful beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that is cooked together to create a thickening agent for sauces and gravies.
To make a roux for beef gravy, start by melting a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate.
Cook the flour and fat mixture for a few minutes until it’s golden-brown, stirring constantly. This process is important because it allows the flour to cook and removes any raw flour taste from the gravy.
Once the roux has reached the desired color, slowly pour in the beef bouillon broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep adding liquid until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
It’s important to note that the amount of roux you make will affect the thickness of your gravy. If you want a thicker gravy, use more flour and fat in your roux. If you want a thinner gravy, use less.
Adding The Bouillon Mixture
Adding the beef bouillon mixture is a crucial step in making beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes. It’s important to add the mixture slowly to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Start by pouring a small amount of the beef bouillon broth into the roux and whisk it until it’s fully incorporated. Then, gradually add more broth, whisking constantly, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the gravy will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the mixture. To make a slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until it forms a smooth paste. Then, slowly pour the slurry into the gravy while whisking constantly. Cook for an additional minute or two until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
Once the beef bouillon mixture has been fully incorporated into the roux, remove the gravy from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
Simmering And Thickening The Gravy
Simmering and thickening the gravy is a crucial step in making beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes. To start, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in hot water and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt butter or oil over medium heat and add flour to the pan. Whisk the mixture constantly until it becomes a golden-brown color. This process helps cook out the floury taste and creates a roux.
Slowly pour in the beef bouillon broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. It’s important to add the liquid slowly to ensure that the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Keep stirring until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
Making beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes is an easy and delicious way to add flavor to any meal. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a savory, velvety gravy that will enhance any dish.
Seasoning And Serving Your Beef Gravy
To add more flavor to your beef gravy, you can add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, or Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will enhance the beefy flavor of the bouillon cubes and give your gravy a more complex taste.
When serving your beef gravy, make sure to pour it over hot, freshly cooked meat or mashed potatoes. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for french fries or roasted vegetables. To make your gravy look more appetizing, you can garnish it with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
If you have leftover beef gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out and prevent it from becoming too thick.
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a weekday dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
